Emeritus Senior Minister with the People's Action Party (PAP) Goh Chok Tong annouced today that he would be standing to contest the upcoming General Elections in Marine Parade Group Representative Constituency (GRC).
Goh has been an member of parliament (MP) with Marine Parade for the past 40 years. He was first elected in 1976 when he entered politics and since then has contested in 9 General Elections.
However, he told attendees at a National Day dinner today that he had initially thought of retiring.
"I saw Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday. We had a long chat," he said. "He wants me to carry on. He wants me to help in the leadership transition to the fourth generation team as an elder. Smooth leadership succession is Singapore’s unique strength to safeguard political stability and continuity of good government.
"As for Marine Parade, you and I have together spent 40 years to build our beautiful home. You have grown up or grown old with me. Your roots and mine are sunk here. Therefore, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in the coming elections."
Mr Goh also said that a General Election is a critical moment for the country to determine its path forward. But he said the elections are not about electing those whose "grandstanding" speeches have no impact on everyday lives. Instead, it is about electing MPs who can form an effective Government.
"At the very least, they must be able to run a town council in a transparent, accountable and responsible manner," said Mr Goh. "And voters too must demand accountability of all political parties. They cannot have two standards of integrity - one for the ruling party and the other for opposition parties. If they do, they will end up with Third World town councils in opposition wards."
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